There are 3 significant changes for 2025 for Mentors and Referee Coaches...

1. WHEN: We have moved all licensing to the summer. So, this year, you'll register to mentor in 2025 NOW. Then, you'll return to register for 2026 starting July 1, 2025. Why? All Law changes start July 1, and we need you ready to lead and mentor with the most updated information in the fall! So, be sure you complete this process now for the spring and then RETURN HERE by July.

2. NEW LICENSE TYPES: Just as referee licenses have changed over the years, 2025 brings changes from US Soccer to mentoring and coaching. There are now 4 grade levels of referee trainers: Mentor, Mentor+, Referee Coach, and National Referee Coach. For this year, you will return as a Referee Mentor or Referee Coach. Then, when Mentor= launches this summer, current mentors with significant experience will "grandfather" to Mentor+. New mentors will have an upgrade process to reach Mentor+. The state of Idaho now handles Mentor, Mentor+, and Referee Coach locally. US Soccer handles National Referee Coach. When you attend the mentor training session for this year, you will get more information about the levels and how they impact you individually.

3. INCREASED PAY: Thanks to the grant received from US Soccer, mentoring and referee coaching is a huge priority that comes with it an increased need for mentors and increased mentor pay. Our goal for 2025 is that are you are compensated in a similar fashion to the referee on the field due to your experience and background. Our hope is that you choose to mentor INSTEAD of referee at important times and take home close to the same compensation. Expect increased pay this year. More discussion about that will take place in our spring zoom mentor training.

REQUIREMENTS TO RELICENSE...

1. PRIOR EXPERIENCE: You have been a licensed mentor or referee coach in 2025, 2024, or 2023.  (If your license is more than 3 years expired, start at First Time Mentor here. You will be required to upload vidoes showing your experience doing a debrief with a referee crew, leading a field session, and completing a classroom based video analysis. If you do not have these, record your next session and upload it with your relicensing.

2. RECOMMENDATION: You must still have the recommendation of your district referee administrator and a recommendation from the SDI/SDA. 

3. COST: $32.50 for mentor (which includes a $22.50 charge from US Soccer) or $47.50 for a referee coach (which includes a $37.50 charge from US Soccer). You will be charged for a $22 background check to US Soccer every 2 years ($150 if you have lived internationally). Idaho will keep its cost for mentors very low as you serve the game and change the future.

4. UPGRADING: If you believe you are ready to upgrade from Referee Mentor, to Referee Mentor+, to Referee Coach, stop this process and discuss with the SDI/SDA before continuing.

STEPS TO RELICENSE AT YOUR CURRENT GRADE LEVEL...

5. ONLINE CLASS: You must complete US Soccer's online course at least 72 hours before our state zoom course takes please. Go here to register, pay, and complete the work: Idaho Returning Mentor Course (link coming in July 2025) or the Idaho Returning Referee Coach Class (link coming in July 2025) as appropriate for your grade level.

6. ZOOM CLASS: Attend the mandatory Referee Mentor and Referee Coach combined zoom course on a date TBA for July, 2025 at this zoom link

7. LICENSE: After you have completed 100% of the online work and the zoom session, you will receive an email with your license. Your license is valid for a calendar year (January-December), then you must relicense each year. We begin re-licensing in July each year and mentors should be among the first to re-license

8. MENTORING ASSIGNMENTS: Mentors will be assigned by the SDI/SDA to mentor anywhere in the state. Your participation in state-wide mentoring events (which change location each year) is expected to return for re-licensing the next year. 

9. NEXT STEP: Get feedback from experienced mentors and the SDI/SDA. After you have gained experience, move up to Mentor+ (beginning July 1, 2025).